Soldiers patrol Islamabad

ISLAMABAD - Troops arrived in the federal capital on Sunday to assist Islamabad police in safeguarding people and government installations from the possible backlash of army operation reportedly kicked off against TTP in North Waziristan.“Troops of Pakistan Army joined ICT police on Sunday to ensure fool-proof security,” a public relations officer of ICT police told The Nation Sunday. Besides, security was beefed up in and around Adiala Jail where a number of hardcore militants are languishing currently. Sources from intelligence agencies said they had got information about a plan to break Adiala Jail to get free militants.“Security around jail has been beefed up to avert militant attack,” a senior official of Adiala Jail told The Nation. During Islamabad visit on Sunday, troops were seen patrolling in red zone which is home to important buildings including Parliament House, apex court, Prime Minister/President House and Diplomatic Enclave. Troops were deployed in the federal capital following request of Islamabad District Management which has recently received threats from militants News of threats from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and their sub groups commonly known as ‘Punjabi Taliban’, has sent a wave of fear among the residents of capitcal city. “Rather than giving us feelings of security, huge security cover with troops patrolling on roads and streets of Islamabad has made us frightened instead. It seems country is at war with anonymous enemy,” Sohal Bashir, a lecturer, residing in G-6/4 sector Islamabad said. On Saturday, Fighter jets of Pakistan Army pounded hideouts of militants in North Waziristan which killed dozens of terrorists including commanders. Following fresh offensive against the militants, security was put on high alert in big cities including Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Quetta and Karachi. In Islamabad which has faced a number of brazen attacks this year, interior ministry called troops to avert any bid of terrorism in the city which is home to ruling elite, diplomats and foreigners.On Sunday, law enforcement agencies kicked off search operation in suburban areas of Islamabad and rounded up a number of suspects. “ICT police in assistance with other law enforcement agencies arrested a dozen suspects from suburban areas of Islamabad including Bari Imam, Bahara Kaho and E-11,” a spokesperson of ICT police said.

This news was published in The Nation newspaper. Read complete newspaper of 16-Jun-2014 here.